Malibu is a great place to go to feel laid-back, relaxed and recharged. It is really beautiful, with long beaches, choppy waves and a backdrop of green hills. The only thing ruining it is the highway that runs through the middle of it!
Malibu is kind of an odd place – or perhaps I went during ‘June Gloom’ when the sky was bright but overcast and it was incredibly quiet. There’s not a whole lot to do there, which is why it’s perfect for getting much needed down time. I’m not sure if my level expectation for Malibu was too high, or I was too tired after my bachelorette weekend in Vegas to appreciate it for what it was (I think I was expecting it to be like LA’s Venice, just smaller and more affluent, but it isn’t).
It’s definitely worth hiring a car and taking a drive along the coast road, stopping at places to carry on on foot along the stunning hiking trails to take in the scenery. Go for a couple of days to sleep, eat and hike well.
THINGS TO DO
Surf with the Malibu Surf Shack
Work out: SoulCycle MLBU; Malibu Point Pilates
Beaches worth checking out: Escondido Beach, Surfrider Beach, Point Dume, El Matador State Beach, Zuma Beach
Hike: Tuna Canyon Park; Solstice Canyon Hike; Sandstone Peak; Malibu Creek State Park;
Go on a wine safari
Places worth visiting: The Getty Villa which is Getty’s second museum that hosts live performances in both its indoor auditorium and its outdoor theatre; Adamson House inside Malibu Lagoon State Beach, has been dubbed the Taj Mahal of Tile because of it’s extensive use of decorative ceramic tiles created by Malibu Potteries; Malibu Country Mart is Malibu’s main hub for casual outdoor shopping and dining, and alongside it is the Malibu Lumber Yard which offers more shopping and dining experiences; Malibu Hindu Temple which technically isn’t in Malobu at all, but set in the hills of Santa Monica. Worth a visit to see the stunning space and taste the vegetarian kitchen on weekends; Malibu Pier is everything you would expect Malibu to be.
EAT
Nobu Malibu If you’re lucky enough to get a table after the three-month long waitlist, Nobu is the place to be and be seen. The food is delicious – they offer dishes that are specific to Malibu – and the decor is beautiful. That set against the backdrop of the beach, well, one can’t really complain. Well, maybe I can about the lack of Entourage actors, but hey…
Little Beach House Soho House’s private members club. Probably the most unique looking of all the houses, but still exudes the charm and calm of the Soho House style.
Malibu Farm Awesome Californian-style restaurant on the pier with delicious healthy foods
Neither tried nor tested, but researched & recommended…
Malibu Seafood No fuss no frills fish restaurant
Casa Escobar Family-owned Mexican restaurant
Neptune’s Net Ironic seafood shack
Malibu Burger Company Grass-fed beef, bison, fish & vegan burgers, served customised in bowls or on buns
GROM Italian ice-cream parlour
SLEEP
Malibu Beach Inn The best located boutique hotel in Malibu. Next to the best places to eat and walking distance (even though no one actually walks anywhere) to the shops. Stunning ocean views from every room, beautiful decor, and delicious food
Neither tried nor tested, but researched & recommended…
Nobu Ryokan Possibly the most expensive hotel in Malibu. It is the ultimate ultra-private surfer’s hideaway
The Native Hotel Cool and quirky